From butternut squash and patty pan squash to winter squash and spaghetti squash, these delicious varieties from the gourd family are ideal for a light summer meal or a tasty winter warmer.
Squash is usually oven-roasted. In most cases, you can dice it before roasting to reduce the cooking time. However, halving and roasting it is also a good idea since each half typically makes an individual portion.
If you prefer to air fry, boil, or steam squash, this is also an option. When boiling diced squash, check it with a fork once in a while, ensuring that you don't overcook it. For more inspiration, explore a range of vegetarian recipes featuring squash.
How to cook butternut squash
If you want to try a simple recipe with butternut squash, try this quick and tasty roast butternut pumpkin and goat cheese salad. When using this method to cook squash, oven-bake it for about 20 minutes, flipping the diced butternut squash halfway through. Nevertheless, you can also boil, steam, or microwave the butternut squash in this squash recipe if preferred.
How to cook spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash is best when roasted, but it does need some preparation:
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half, from end to end.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds in the middle of each half, then pierce the skin several times on each side for even cooking.
- Drizzle oil over each half of the squash with the fleshy side up. Season to taste with salt and pepper or spices of your choice.
- Place the halves face up into a preheated oven at 180°C, and bake for 30 minutes until brown on the outside.
Once done, remove the squash and use a fork to scrape out the flesh. The flesh should come away in spaghetti-like strands. If not, you can bake it for five more minutes.
How to cook patty pan squash
Unlike many other squashes, patty pan squash is easy to grill. You can chop and roast it, just like butternut squash. Additionally, since the whole squash is edible, including the skin, you can even slowly grill it instead.
Boiling patty pan squash is also an option if preferred. Keep in mind that squash can become bitter-tasting if left too long, so cook it sooner rather than later.
How to cook gem squash
Gem squash should be cut in half to remove the seeds before cooking. Drizzle each half with water, and microwave on full power for a couple of minutes. Be sure to pierce the tough skin with a fork to allow it to cook more easily.
Next, place the squash halves into a saucepan of boiling water. After simmering for five minutes, it will then be ready to eat. For an extra delicious touch, sprinkle grated cheese over the squash halves and bake for a further 10 minutes.
How to cook winter squash
Traditionally, winter squash is roasted. Once halved and deseeded, like spaghetti squash, bake it for around 45 minutes. To speed up the process, pre-cook winter squash in the microwave for a couple of minutes before roasting.
Cooking squash in the oven
Use a baking tray when cooking squash in the oven. Spread the squash out across the tray so that it's not all in one place. If you don't have a fan-assisted oven, use a slightly higher heat than recommended.
It's also advisable to put the baking tray at the top of the oven, where it is the hottest. Ensure the squash has a decent amount of oil over it, which helps it cook evenly.
Cooking squash in the air fryer
Cooking any type of squash in an air fryer requires removing the seeds and dicing the squash into pieces. Once prepared:
- Heat the air fryer to 180°C.
- Arrange the squash pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they're spread out evenly.
- Put the basket into the fryer and allow it to cook for 30 minutes.
When baking, make sure to move the pieces around halfway through. For smaller squash portions, cook at 200°C for 20 minutes instead of 180°C for 30 minutes.
Seasonings for squash
You can use many different types of seasoning when cooking with squash. Powdered cayenne pepper is a great spice to bring out the savoury flavour of squash, or if you're using pumpkin for a dessert, cinnamon pairs well. In this creamy bacon and roast squash spaghetti, savoury ingredients enhance the natural sweetness of squash.
How to cook squash FAQs
What is the best way to cook squash?
When cooking squash, roasting generally offers the best texture, but other methods can be just as good. Microwaving is quickest, but it can lead to overcooking.
How long does cooked squash last?
Once it's cooked, squash will last between 4–5 days. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I reheat cooked squash?
Yes, reheat squash by microwaving it for a couple of minutes or warming it gently in a saucepan.
Can I freeze cooked squash?
Freezing cooked squash is certainly possible. Use a sealable bag or container, and it will stay fresh for up to a year.